Ojas Rajani needs no introduction. This celebrity makeup artist has worked with almost ever who’s who in the Bollywood industry. Today we interview this well-loved and respected Bandra based MUA in our supplier spotlight feature.
You have had an incredible career. What have been the highlights of it?
It is a blend of the best Bollywood actresses and beautiful brides from all across the globe. My hair and makeup academy make me love my work more and more each day.
Who or what inspires you?
Scenic beauty and inner beauty inspire me. I meditate to stay grounded and my passion and creativity bring out the best in me each day. I am truly grateful to God and my parents for never ending love and support.
How did you start out in this field?
I have a chartered accountant’s degree, excelled in the ICWA course and had a well paying job as a CA. But right from childhood, I felt a pull towards makeup, interior designing and fashion. I used to love dressing up my mom and sister as a kid. Beauty of Bollywood actresses like Mumtaz, Parveen Babi and Zeenat Aman inspired me in my childhood. Even while I was working as a CA, I would dress up my colleagues! Destiny took me to the Miami School of Hair and Makeup in Florida, USA. I worked there for nearly 7 years before coming to Mumbai. Bollywood happened with Urmila Matondkar and Aishwarya Rai and since then there has been no looking back. Today, I have worked with many B-town A-listers including Priyanka, Kareena, Katrina and Deepika as well as timeless beauties like Sridevi and Madhuri. Since most brides look up to Bollywood for their wedding-day inspiration, my connection with tinsel town opened up the bridal makeup market.
Define beauty
Beauty is only skin deep; it lies in the eyes of the beholder. True beauty lies in your confidence, persona, aura and attitude. It is definitely not just about being fair and lovely.
What have been the challenges you have faced as a MUA?
Working in humidity is a huge challenge in Asian countries as it tends to make the hair frizzy. However, we learn to adapt and over the years, I have developed tricks to avoid such issues.
What do you love about bridal makeup?
Each bride I work with is unique. She comes with a set of expectations regarding her ideas as well as her family’s expectations, traditions and rituals. Fulfilling those expectations is what I aim for. I have received so much love and appreciation from my brides over the years-it is overwhelming. Many continue keeping in touch and are my well-wishers till date.
What is your signature look that sets you apart from other MUAs?
I endeavour to transform every plain Jane into a diva. I must say that I have a unique way of transforming bride’s eyes and am also adept in hairstyles. I think I can safely say that I am gifted with a talent to achieve the impossible.
If you weren’t a makeup artist, what would you be?
I would definitely be an interior designer. I have designed homes of few of my friends as well as that of my parents and the results have been incredible. Being a Virgo, I have an eye for details and seek perfection in whatever I undertake.